FDA Recommended Amounts of Servings

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that certain foods be labeled for nutrition, it is the U.S. Department of Agriculture that sets the guidelines for recommended servings. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not required to have nutritional labeling, however, prepared foods such as bread and cereal, canned and frozen foods, must provided dietary information per serving in order for the public to make informed decisions on the foods they consume and how much they are consuming.

History

• A set of guidelines recommending the amount of food that an individual should consume was originally set up in 1941 by what was known then as the Food and Nutrition Board. Because of food rationing during wartime, the food guides considered food availability and a set of allowances or servings that would provide the public with the most nutrition. By the 1950s, nutritionists included the number of servings for each food group so it would be easier for the public to understand what foods to consume in order to receive their recommended daily intake of nutrients.

Function

• Nutrition labels on food list the amount of servings based on diets of 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day. This number will vary for those with special needs, children and women who are pregnant or nursing. It is best to consult with a health care professional to find out the specific dietary needs for each individual.

Grains

• For grains, 6 oz. is recommended each day. The body will convert the carbohydrates in the grains into glucose or the sugar it needs for energy. Grains are foods such as breads, cereal, rice and pasta.

Vegetables

• Vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins that the body needs such as vitamins A, C and E. The darker the color of the vegetable, such as spinach or broccoli, the more vitamins and nutrients it contains. The USDA recommends 2.5 servings of vegetables each day.

Fruits

• Fruits, like vegetables, also contain a wide variety of vitamins. It is best to consume a variety of fruit in order to receive a wide range of necessary nutrients. Two cups of fruit a day is recommended. Fruit juice can be considered a serving a fruit, but it is wise not to use it as a constant substitute as fruit juices can contain extra sugar.

Calcium

• Three cups of milk a day will give the body the calcium it needs. For those who cannot or do not consume milk, calcium can be found in fortified juices and foods. Look for the term "calcium enriched" on those products.

Protein

• Meat provides protein that the body needs to maintain and repair muscle and organ tissue. However, it is suggested that lean meats be consumed on a more frequent basis. Meat can be high in sodium, cholesterol and fat which is not good for the body. For those who do not consume meat, protein can be found in beans, nuts and seeds. It is recommended that 5.5 oz. of protein be consumed every day.